When skiing, having the right gear is essential to stay comfortable throughout the day and make the most of every moment on the slopes. You've finally booked your holiday and you're ready to hit the pistes! What kit do you need for a successful trip?
Ski equipment checklist
You will need the following ski equipment:
- Skis or snowboarding
- Ski boots
- Ski poles
- The ski helmet
- Safety equipment for off-piste skiing
Skis or snowboarding equipment should be chosen based on the skier's profile, according to three criteria: their level, their style of skiing, and their physique. Seek advice from professionals for this purchase. For ski length, a size between 5 cm and 10 cm below the skier's height is recommended. For freeride, longer skis are needed — up to 10 cm more. Shorter skis are more manoeuvrable and often recommended for beginners.
Ski boots should provide comfort and foot support. As with skis, seek advice from professionals for this purchase. Ski boot fittings are best done wearing ski socks — a great way to test the quality and comfort of the boots. Don't hesitate to try several brands. The goal is to avoid any feelings of discomfort or compression in the lower legs.
Ski poles are an essential accessory that help you push off on climbs and turns, providing stability. To find the right pole length, put on your ski boots — the skier holds the poles upside down, placing their hands under the basket. The arms should form a right angle of 90°. In terms of materials, carbon poles are ideal: extremely lightweight. Aluminium, on the other hand, is versatile and less expensive.
A ski helmet must meet 5 criteria: weight, fit, foam quality, ventilation and the NF (or CE) EN 1077 standard. The ski helmet must sit securely on the head for optimal protection, while also offering a certain level of comfort. The helmet should not be uncomfortable during your day on the slopes.
Snowshoes must be lightweight, ergonomic and durable. Snowshoes are most commonly made from plastic or aluminium. Plastic snowshoes are the most widespread thanks to their better value for money and durability, making them well suited to occasional leisure use. Aluminium snowshoes, being lighter, offer better performance on longer outings.
For off-piste: don't forget your safety equipment! Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe — and if you don't have them, check with the ski resort's sport shops, which may offer this equipment for hire.
Hiring or buying your own equipment?
It's a personal choice — entirely yours to make. You can purchase your equipment in advance if you wish. For example, if you ski several times a year or every year, the equipment will eventually pay for itself over time. Alternatively, you can hire equipment directly on-site from winter sports hire shops. A short-term solution that requires less upfront cost and leaves more room in your car.
To help you choose the right ski outfit, Cimalp offers a wide range of clothing specially designed for this activity.
